Do unmarried parents need to establish paternity if they stay together?
Yes. Even if the parents stay together, the father could become disabled or die. In most cases, children born to unmarried parents can be assured of receiving certain benefits only if paternity has been established. If paternity has been established, your child will have the possible right of inheritance from both parents. The child may also be eligible for other benefits such as Social Security, medical insurance, life insurance, and veteran`s benefits. Without paternity, there is no provision for the possibility that the parents might separate in the future. If unmarried parents do separate and paternity has not been established, every member of the family is at risk, regardless of who takes the child. If the mother takes the child, she cannot get an order for child support without first establishing paternity, and the father has no standing to seek custody or visitation. If the father keeps the children, it is more difficult for him to obtain certain benefits if he is not the legal father. Children who are supported by only one parent often do not have enough money for even basic needs. Your child is entitled to financial support and other resources from both parents. Your child`s doctor needs to know whether he or she has inherited any diseases or disorders, many of which may not be detected at birth or in childhood. Doctors can better treat your child if they know the full medical history of the family.
Other Texas Family Law FAQs
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Who can apply for child support services and what is the fee?
The Attorney General`s office accepts applications from mothers and fathers. Our attorneys represent the State of Texas in providing child support services and do not … more -
Where do people apply for child support services with the Office of the Attorney General?
The Child Support Division of the Office of the Attorney General operates field offices throughout the state at which people may apply for services. The telephone … more -
How long will it take before payments begin?
Obtaining child support involves a wide variety of factors making it difficult to predict how long it will take to secure payments. The time frame varies on a … more -
How do TANF recipients seek child support?
To receive TANF benefits through the Texas Department of Human Services, recipients must cooperate with the Office of the Attorney General`s efforts to identify their … more -
What if a person no longer wants the Office of the Attorney General`s services?
If the parent is not on TANF and is not receiving Medicaid and wishes to discontinue child support enforcement services, the case can be closed by written request, … more -
How can child support be changed?
Only the Court can modify child support. It cannot be done by agreement of the parties. Grounds for a modification include a material and substantial change in the … more -
Why is it so important for unmarried parents to establish paternity for their child?
When a child is born, the mother`s name automatically appears on the birth certificate. If she is married, her husband is assumed to be the baby`s father. But if the … more -
How do unmarried parents establish paternity for their child?
Paternity can be voluntarily established by agreement of both the mother and the father of the child. The parents can sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) that … more -
What happens when the parents sign the Acknowledgment of Paternity?
After the father and mother have signed the AOP, the biological father becomes the legal father. This means that he has parental rights and responsibilities just like … more -
How does paternity establishment affect custody and visitation?
Each parent has the duty to financially and emotionally support his or her child. Each parent is presumed to possess the right to custody or visitation. If the parents … more
